I recently finished my fourth trip to Thailand, most of it for chocolate. And you’ll understand why I think 10 days in Thailand is the perfect taste of the country really soon. When I think of the food I ate in my childhood, some of my favorite memories involve going to Thai cooking classes with … Read more
Have you seen a foreigner today? Since moving to rural Korea over a year ago, I’ve seen one every morning when I look in the mirror. I’ve become the foreigner for most people I meet. This new and constant out-of-place sensation has made me seek to understand it, leading me to then research Korean culture … Read more
Halloween in Seoul is only a weekday affair if you’re a kid, and especially if you have American English teachers, who are notorious for week-long celebrations of the holiday. So two weeks ago, all official dates for the holiday were disregarded and the adults took their turn, on the weekend. Halloween in Seoul was upon us. Heading … Read more
When I was in kindergarten, I wanted to be a singer and a circus performer. I had never been to the circus, but I knew that it looked fun. Floating through my mind were images of colorful costumes, striking face makeup, and exotic animals dominating a massive stage. But I found the Cambodian circus to … Read more
It’s taken awhile to finish worrying about Cambodia. Scattered across the country are monks and temples and farms and Killing Caves and further details of a tragic past that’s hard to comprehend no matter how many times you hear about it. A visit to the Angkor temples has become a hallmark of the modern “bucket … Read more
Fermentation is an age-old process, constantly happening, often aided by human obsession. Alive & well in Taiwan, the natural wonder of fermentation is responsible for some of your favorite flavors. Fine Foods From Fermentation I imagine it would be difficult to get though the day without eating something fermented. In chocolate school, one of the first … Read more
On a Saturday night in Hongdae, the main university neighborhood of Seoul, these two young Korean girls approached me on the street, asking if I knew where to find an English book store. Now let me repeat the strange part, for those unfamiliar with Korea: they approached me. This is simply not done in Korea. … Read more
A month ago I had an 11pm curfew. Yes, as an adult. Attending EPIK Orientation My ridiculous curfew was at my orientation for teaching English through the EPIK Program here in Korea. And yes, I attended a late orientation nearly a month after I arrived here. Exactly one month ago today, actually. The schedule had us booked from … Read more